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Xbox 360 Fancast 136 -- The End of an Era
This is it. This is the show, kids. It's the very last episode of the Xbox 360 Fancast with Dustin Burg. We figured the most appropriate way to commemorate the occasion would be spending the entire episode talking about Halo 3: ODST, so that's exactly what we did. We also read from the gigantic pile of farewell letters that Dustin received. Give it a listen, and then give our departing host a moment of silence.Big thanks to Chris Majewski (AKA Magic Whiskey) for the farewell art above. Oh, we're also sure that you're wondering how we plan to deal with the problem of Dustin still being in our regular podcast art. Well, we've got it covered, thanks to reader Kcasey. Check out our new podcast art after the break.[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in Zune Marketplace (MP3).[RSS MP3] Add the Xbox 360 Fanboy Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.Hosts: Richard Mitchell (SenseiRAM), Dustin Burg (SuperDunners), Alexander Sliwinski (Sli Xander), Xav de Matos (Snypz).Produced by Richard MitchellMusic: Intro/Outro: "Electromooq" by Uma Floresta. "Discipline" by Nine Inch Nails.For fans: Xbox 360 Fancast Facebook group
Sky TV arriving on Xbox 360 in mid-October according to SkyMag; Twitter, Facebook & Zune to follow?
Live Sky TV viewing via Xbox 360 didn't make it into the most recent dashboard update, readers report page 17 of the network's most recent SkyMag indicates it will arrive around mid-October. Additional details flesh out what's available, while all Xbox Live Gold members (in the appropriate areas) will get access to the Sky Player similar to the PC implementation, you will need a Sky subscription with the appropriate channels to view sports and movie content. Look out for more updates at the skyplayer.com/xbox360 site, while those of us beyond the network's reach wonder whether we can expect other features like Twitter (you're following us, right?) Facebook and 1080p instant-on movie streaming to arrive at roughly the same time. [Thanks, David]
Another quirky Final Fantasy: Crystal Bearers trailer
The Crystal Chronicles name has always meant players are in for a more experimental Final Fantasy experience. While the spin-off series is still infused with the essence of the main, Roman numeral'd franchise, it's still like eating an egg that tastes like an orange. The latest Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers trailer highlights this peculiarity quite clearly. Heavy on action, with a little sarcasm and some sexiness ... even for Crystal Chronicles, this game still feels different. You can read our TGS hands-on preview here.
Rock Band Weekly: Alice in Chains, Breaking Benjamin, Just Kait, Kula Shaker
Alice in Chains and Breaking Benjamin (pictured doing their best Twilight pose) contribute several new tracks to the Rock Band Music Store next week. We ... sorry, we're just getting lost in those eyes and pale skin. It's mesmerizing. There are also some additions from English psychedelic band, Kula Shaker, and a value-priced track called "U Suck" by Just Kait -- which, knowing how the comments for RBW tend to lean, could very well be how many of you feel about the artist. Check out the full Rock Band Weekly update, along with the update for Rock Band Unplugged, after the break. Select a platform below to view complete DLC listing:
5 apps for the radio lover
Radio just isn't the way it used to be. It's not that "this ain't your father's radio." This isn't even the radio you knew five years ago. A loosening of media ownership rules (via the 1996 Telecommunications Act) has transformed what was once a local medium into more of a national one, one that put playing more "safe" mainstream material repeatedly in place of diverse content. And while Internet streaming has opened our ears to specific tastes that align with our listening palettes, it didn't align with our increasingly mobile lifestyles. The advent of the App store, however, has created an ecosystem of apps that stream audio content while also aligning with our mobile lifestyles, and I'll highlight a few of my essentials.
L4D2 rated in other violence sensitive regions, Valve appeals Aussie ban
In the wake of its Australian "banning," Valve has seen fit to send out an update of Left 4 Dead 2's ratings across this zombie smorgasbord we call a planet. We knew that Valve was "bummed" about the ban, but the letter that the company sent out could be interpreted as it saying, "Hey, wait up, places like Germany and Japan gave us '18+' ratings ... and you know how sensitive they are about violence." Valve is still awaiting a rating in the UK (BBFC) and New Zealand, and submitted its appeal regarding Left 4 Dead 2's non-classified status in the land down under on September 23. With any luck, Aussies will be able to play the game -- with some edits, perhaps -- when the zombie sequel launches November 17. %Gallery-64704%
Bioshock for Mac on October 7th
I can personally attest to Bioshock being a terrific game, but the problem is that probably, many of you can as well. Let's be honest -- it actually came out for PC and consoles a full two years ago. At this point, a Mac port is probably useless, but it's coming out anyway. Feral Interactive has announced that they'll be releasing the port on October 7th of this year, so those of you Mac diehards who refuse to play games on any other platforms can finally get your fix. The game will be released for $49.95 in the US, and can be preordered on Feral's store right now. Or, you know, you can run out to Best Buy, pick up a copy for $20 and run it in Boot Camp, it's up to you. If you are going for the Mac version, however, you should know that the game doesn't support the Intel GMA integrated video cards, so you'll need a dedicated video card in your Mac to play it. Bioshock is a great game, as I've said, and if you really stretch it out, it might give you a good six months of free time entertainment -- just in time for you to pick up the Mac port of Hellgate: London, a game released in December of 2007. Oh wait.
PSN Thursday: More free Batman DLC, Broken Steel
The highlight in this week's PSN Update is that The Bats is back with more free DLC. Also, for Fallout 3 owners not planning to trade up to the "game of the year edition," the single most important piece of DLC for the game, Broken Steel, is now available from the PSN store for $10. For those who don't know, Broken Steel takes away "the ending" of the game and allows the (anti-)hero of the Capital Wasteland to continue their journey with an increased level cap. Check out the full update after the break -- and, sadly, no Trine. Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list: (Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)
Wolfenstein demo marches onto Xbox Live
If you've been itching to give Wolfenstein a try but aren't willing to plunk down any cash -- a likely possibility at this point -- you'll be happy to know that a Wolfenstein demo is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace in Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, United Kingdom and United States. If you are somehow unfamiliar with the game allow us to sum up. There are Nazis. They are doing evil, occult-y things. You, the good guy, must stop them. With guns. And magic. If your experience varies significantly from this description, please check the game title. You're probably playing something else. Add the Wolfenstein demo to you 360 download queue [Via Major Nelson]
Sony launches German and Italian PlayStation Blogs
Sony Europe announced today that its PlayStation Blog format has been localized for German- and Italian-speaking audiences. The two new sites will likely translate much of the content found on the English site, with extra posts that will be specific for the region covered. For Italiano -- blog.it.playstation.com For Deutsch -- blog.de.playstation.com For Spanish and French -- Ummmm... The French and Spanish blogs will allegedly launch "very soon." Considering significant portions of North America speak both of those languages, it'll be interesting to see if the US PlayStation Blog utilizes those translations.
Xbox 360 Fancast 135 -- Earth: Shattered
This show is a doozy, folks. Not only do we go through the normal motions -- news, games, fanmail, etc -- but we do it all while having fun with our new soundboard. And, before all is said and done, we cap the show off with an announcement that will change the show forever. We don't want to oversell it, but this might be the single most important document ever recorded. You should probably download a copy right now. [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in Zune Marketplace (MP3). [RSS MP3] Add the Xbox 360 Fanboy Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [MP3] Download the MP3 directly. Hosts: Richard Mitchell (SenseiRAM), Dustin Burg (SuperDunners), Alexander Sliwinski (Sli Xander), Xav de Matos (Snypz). Produced by Richard Mitchell Music: Intro/Outro: "Electromooq" by Uma Floresta. "Keep Your Eyes Ahead" by The Helio Sequence. For fans: Xbox 360 Fancast Facebook group
Apple pushes to change subscription accounting rules
Apple's pretty famous for using subscription accounting for the iPhone and Apple TV as a way to bend the rules and offer free software updates after purchase -- basically, instead of putting all the money from the sale on the books at once, the company's accountants spread the revenue out over two years, extending the "transaction" to cover upgrades. That's great for iPhone owners, but it's not so great for Apple or its investors, since the company's stock price doesn't always reflect the true amount of iPhone money coming in -- in fact, Apple earnings reports now include a second, unofficial balance sheet that does away with subscription accounting to show off the real numbers. Yeah, it's confusing, but it might finally be about to change, since the Financial Accounting Standards Board just tentatively approved new rules that could allow Apple to do away with subscription accounting and still deliver free updates. That means Apple's quarterly earnings will now feature much larger official revenue and profit figures -- last quarter's official revenue was $8.34 billion, while the unofficial number was $9.74 billion -- the lawyers and accountants will be happy, and we'll still get free iPhone updates. Good deal all around -- except for iPod touch owners, who will still have to pay $9.95 and not get a camera. [Via Yahoo]
Xbox 360 Fancast 134 -- Roosters Don't Have Teeth Redux
It's been a long time since we chatted with the folk at Rooster Teeth (almost 100 episodes!). With Red vs Blue still going strong and a new Halo 3: ODST ad campaign underway, we figured it was time to go at it again. We also talk about Sonic and the fools that keep crawling back to him, only to watch him speed away and laugh. Download it, and always remember: Camping is a legitimate strategy. [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in Zune Marketplace (MP3). [RSS MP3] Add the Xbox 360 Fanboy Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [MP3] Download the MP3 directly. Hosts: Richard Mitchell (SenseiRAM), Dustin Burg (SuperDunners), Alexander Sliwinski (Sli Xander), Xav de Matos (Snypz). Produced by Richard Mitchell Guest: Michael "Burnie" Burns and Geoff Ramsey, Rooster Teeth Productions. Music: Intro/Outro: "Electromooq" by Uma Floresta. "Marie" by Paper Planes.
What exact processor is inside the new iPod touch? TUAW digs deeper
Sure, the biggest mystery around the new iPod touch is the omission of the heavily-rumored camera, like the one found on the new iPod nano. However, there is some speculation and wondering in what is actually at the heart of the new iPod touch. As you may know, all devices that run iPhone OS are powered by a processor based on the ARM architecture. These processors, like Intel and PowerPC processors, come in many different speeds. As Apple did with the iPhone 3GS, improved performance (including OpenGL ES 2.0 support for better gaming and graphic support) is touted as a feature in the new 32GB/64GB iPod touch models (the 8GB iPod touch retains the same performance as it did last year). It's still unclear what the exact details are for the new processor, but here at TUAW, we've done some digging to find out more information about it. Read on for more technical details on the processor in the new iPod touch.
Reminder: Early Scribblenauts launch today at Nintendo World NYC
Friendly reminder for Scribble-natics in the tri-state region: the Nintendo World store will begin selling Scribblenauts today at 11AM as part of a special early launch. For those who don't want to wait until their retailer of choice gets the game sometime this week, now is the time to get on the LIRR, Metro-North, MTA, ferry or paddle boat and head on over to Rockefeller Plaza. The 5th Cell team should be on hand for autographs (hopefully for longer than an hour) and demos of the game. Scribblenauts will allegedly only be sold between 11AM-2PM, so take that into consideration. If you're reading this post from the line at Nintendo World, feel free to let us know how long the queue is in the comments.
Arkham sells 2M, Warner gets serious about DC licensing
You might have heard the news yesterday that Warner Bros. has shaken up DC to better do battle with the now Disney-owned Marvel. Part of that strategy, according to the L.A. Times, is making better use of its IP in licensed properties like video games. While the move is definitely Marvel-inspired, we have to imagine part of the impetus comes from the success of Batman: Arkham Asylum, which, according to the article, moved almost 2 million units in its first month. Taking games more seriously is a smart move on DC's part ... lets just hope they leave the things that are working alone.
Joystiq vs. PAX '09: Day 3 & 4
Here it is, the last Joystiq vs. PAX 2009 video. We decided to roll up the footage from our third and fourth days in Seattle into one mongo video, which we've kindly embedded above. Marvel as we watch Omeganauts throw down in Halo 3: ODST, enjoy some marketing materials, head over to the Resident Evil 5 PC launch party, check out the massive console freeplay room and, finally, witness the final round of the Omegathon. So long PAX. See you in Boston!
Hands on with L4D2's Dark Carnival (and a katana!)
Left (click) 4 Large Okay so, technically, we only got our hands on a digital katana, but it was just as awesome. More awesome, in fact, because wielding a real katana against a real zombie isn't so much fun as it is terrifying. But more on that later, this preview needs a setup. We got a chance to try out the recently revealed Dark Carnival campaign in Left 4 Dead 2 and, unsurprisingly, it was a blasting, hacking, slashing good time.
Video: The Assassin's Creed II marketing surprise
Once again, as is usually the case, it's the little things that keep you going when you're covering a convention and running on four hours of sleep and sheer will. Enjoy.
Joystiq vs. PAX '09: Day 2
Welcome to Joystiq vs PAX '09: Day 2. Today, we fuel up on delicious DIY waffles, tour the show floor and stand in really long lines. Take a look at what Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft, Blizzard and more have to offer at PAX. Also, witness our hotel's elevator or, as we have dubbed it, the creaking box of terror.
